Meet the Ally: Richard Paul
At NLP, being a good adviser is about more than knowing the numbers. It’s about understanding the people behind them, being there when challenges arise and building relationships that last.
That’s what our Meet the Ally series is all about: introducing the people who work alongside our clients and getting their perspective on what great advice and support really look like.
First up is Richard Paul, Partner at NLP, who works with a wide variety of clients across both their business and personal finances.
We sat down with Richard to talk about the challenges businesses are facing, why he believes advisers should be accessible when it matters, and the value of having someone in your corner when things get difficult.
Tell us a little about what you do at NLP and the clients you typically work with.
I am a general practice partner at NLP with a huge variety of clients but the common thread amongst all my clients is the private client style service we provide each of them.This means we take very personally defending and supporting their business and personal finances throughout their lives.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’re helping clients with at the moment?
Clients are being squeezed by low cost competition, material extra taxes, red tape and macro events. Many business are finding themselves under attack and are having difficulty surviving. As their ‘financial bodyguards’ we are to help navigate them through these choppy waters.
What do you enjoy most about working closely with clients?
To be so closely involved in peoples personal and business lives is a priviledge. There are few other occupations which afford this level of access and in turn makes us all better advisors.
What does being a good adviser mean to you?
Being accessible, responsive, remaining calm and clear thinking in difficult situations is for me the key support clients need when they are going through troubles and challenges.
When should someone come and speak to you rather than trying to deal with something themselves?
Earlier rather than later please! I have found that most business owners have a lonely existence and rarely have anyone to share their troubles with. We enjoy constant contact with our clients and so we are in a better position to influence the outcome when problems do arise. A problem shared is a problem halved!